This juicy baked chicken breast recipe is a simple, reliable weeknight dinner that delivers tender, perfectly cooked chicken every time. It’s quick to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and bakes in 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

As a guide, thinner chicken breasts will cook in around 15 minutes, while larger, thicker pieces can take closer to 18 minutes. The most accurate way to check doneness is with a kitchen thermometer — the chicken is ready when it reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part.

If you’re planning meals for the week, this baked chicken breast works perfectly as a base for easy recipes like my Chicken Lunch Plate or this hearty Couscous and Sweet Potato

Whether you’re slicing it for salads, serving it with vegetables, or adding it to meal prep, this is one of those dependable recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Breast (Video)

Why You’ll Love It

This is your no-fuss, always-juicy, weeknight lifesaver. These baked chicken breasts come out tender and perfectly seasoned every time, with minimal prep and simple ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need reliable protein for lunches and salads, this recipe is your go-to.

It’s also a great starting point for other meals — use it in salads, bowls, or even quick pasta dishes like my Easy Creamy Bacon Tomato Pasta.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless; they cook quickly and stay tender with this method.
• Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning in the oven.
• Sea salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Black pepper – Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
• Optional spices – Use garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried herbs, or any blend you love to make it your own.

How to Make Baked Chicken Breasts

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat dry with paper towels and place on a lined baking tray or oven-safe dish.
3. Season: Rub with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and any spices you like.
4. Bake: Cook for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness.
5. Check for doneness: Internal temp should be 74°C (165°F).
6. Rest: Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken juicy.

Recipe Notes

• Pound or butterfly thick chicken breasts for more even, faster cooking.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Great for meal prep — use in bowls, salads, pasta, or wraps throughout the week.
• Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part.

Tip: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them slightly for more even cooking and a shorter bake time.

Variations

• Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the seasoning.
• Herby: Use Italian seasoning, rosemary, or thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
• Lemon & Garlic: Add fresh lemon juice and minced garlic to the olive oil rub.

Serving Ideas

Serve with mashed sweet potato and quick sautéed spinach (ready in minutes in the same pan), then finish with a simple lemon garlic butter sauce made from the pan juices and poured over the chicken.

Serve these oven baked chicken breasts sliced over fluffy quinoa or couscous, or drizzled with a flavorful Quick Pink Sauce for an easy, satisfying meal. They’re perfect tucked into wraps or sandwiches alongside crisp lettuce and ripe tomato for a quick lunch or dinner.

How to Use Leftovers

Leftover chicken? Use it to build quick meals like a Chicken Wrap, toss it into a Chicken Soup, or add it to a Couscous Sweet Potato Bowl (with Shredded Chicken) for an easy next-day dinner.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep moist.

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking tray or oven dish
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Tongs or spatula
• Paper towels

More Easy Chicken Recipes

• Baked Crunchy Chicken Breast
• Chicken Thighs Cast Iron
• Spicy Spatchcock Chicken Recipe
• Pesto Pasta and Chicken Cold Salad
• Easy Chicken Curry Sauce Recipe

If you try this recipe, I’d love it if you could leave a rating and comment below — it helps others find the recipe and supports my blog!

Serve with mashed sweet potato and quick sautéed spinach, then finish with a simple lemon garlic butter sauce made from the pan juices — just like in the video.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

If you loved this juicy baked chicken breast, try these simple and flavour-packed chicken recipes next:

• Chicken Lunch Plate – a quick, balanced meal perfect for easy lunches and meal prep.
• Air Fryer Roast Chicken – a quick, crispy, and juicy alternative to oven baking, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
• Couscous and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl with Shredded Chicken – a comforting and satisfying weeknight dinner.
• Quick Pink Sauce Pasta – creamy, comforting, and ready in minutes.
• Spicy Spatchcock Chicken – juicy, flavourful roast chicken with crispy skin.
• Easy Chicken Curry – a warming, fragrant classic perfect for family dinners.
• Pesto Pasta and Chicken Cold Salad – fresh, easy, and ideal for make-ahead meals.